Beat the January Blues:
Hello there,
Apparently Monday the 15th of January was officially “Blue Monday”, the most depressing day of the year. Whilst this may be more of a marketing ploy to sell more holidays, treats or anything to cheer you up, there is no doubt that the cold weather and dark nights of January can make anyone feel slightly less than joyous.
If you’re struggling this Winter, we’ve pulled together some resources to help whether it’s tips on how to stay active to advice on looking after your mental health.
Later Life Ambitions
This year will mark the first decade of our work with NARPO and the NFOP under the banner of Later Life Ambitions (LLA) – time flies when you are busy campaigning!
After the successful launch of our LLA manifesto ‘Standing by Pensioners’ in the House of Commons last November, we have embarked on a round of follow up meetings with MPs and others who have indicated their interest and support for our joint campaigns on Social Care, Digital Exclusion, the State Pension, Housing, Transport and the need for Older People’s Commissioners for England and Scotland.
The first MPs we are lined up to meet with include Sir Stephen Timms MP (Labour – East Ham), Chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, and David Linden MP (SNP – Glasgow East), Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Social Justice).
Nationally, we are all gearing up for a General Election in 2024, with most pundits and bookies favouring the Autumn months of October to December. There has never been a better time to lobby your MP about the campaigns you feel most strongly about, and we will certainly be doing all that we can to raise our CSPA priorities at every turn.
If you wish, you can access advice and templates designed to help you do this in our LLA General Election 2024 Toolkit via the Later Life Ambitions website
Our fellow-campaigners at Independent Age are ramping up the volume in demanding the appointment of Commissioners for Older People and Ageing in Scotland and in England, a campaign we at CSPA share. We have seen impressive, recent examples of how successful this form of cross-governmental working can be in both Wales and Northern Ireland.
CSPA General Secretary, Sally Tsoukaris, recently met with Independent Age’s Chief Executive, Joanna Elson CBE, who provided evidence on the subject of The Rights of Older People to the Women and Equalities Committee on the 10th January, where the question of the potential benefits of Commissioners – amongst other things – was addressed. Others giving evidence on the day were Caroline Abrahams CBE, Charity Director for Age UK, Carole Easton OBE, Chief Executive at the Centre for Ageing Better, and Helena Herklots CBE, Older People’s Commissioner for Wales.
Independent Age have a petition calling for Commissioner posts to be established for England and Scotland, which they have asked us to share with CSPA members. You are encouraged to find out more about the petition and sign it here
Alternatively, you can request a paper copy for your use locally by emailing campaigns@independentage.org or calling 020 7605 4200.
Turning to somewhat lighter things, and as we anticipate brighter and longer days to come, you may want to take advantage of some of our member discounted offers including travel insurance, days out and cruises.
